Man always has been. Man always will be. These truths might arouse the materially minded to respond: What practical application have these facts to one's present existence? Some may even deny that these facts relate to individual experience.
Divine Science reveals that individual man is eternally coexistent with his Maker. This coexistence includes pre-existence and immortality for each one of God's ideas. Christ Jesus definitely spoke of his preexistence in these words (John 8:58): "Before Abraham was, I am." Just previously he had reminded the Jews (verse 56), "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad."
At that moment the affirmation of his eternal coexistence with God meant safety for our Master and his peaceful withdrawal while the Jews took up stones to cast at him. At other times Jesus' claim to immortality prepared his way for victory over the grave and for his final ascension.
